Road Trip With Kids? Don't Leave Home Without These Essentials

Traveling with kids can be a wonderful family experience, but it can also be a serious test of patience, organization, and creativity. And trust us, every parent who has been in the car with their children knows just how different a trip feels when there’s something to keep them busy versus a ride where they get bored and start fighting, crying, or complaining. 

Wouldn’t it be so much easier to prepare ahead of time with a few items that can make the ride genuinely enjoyable?

Here’s a packing list worth saving on your phone, printing out, or checking before every trip with kids, especially when you’re heading out on a long drive:

The Emergency Bag You Need Within Reach

The most common mistake is packing everything in the trunk, only to realize the moment your child needs something important that it’s buried deep inside one of the suitcases.

Pack a small bag that stays accessible during the drive and includes:

• Wet wipes
• Tissues
• Diapers or a change of underwear
• Small trash bags
• A change of clothes
• A water bottle
• Dry snacks

What else?

A Water Bottle for Everyone

Kids always seem to get thirsty when there’s not a gas station in sight, so it’s a good idea to bring a personal bottle for each child, plus an extra bottle for refills in case of emergency. 

Snacks That Save the Day

Hunger is one of the main causes of meltdowns and arguments during car rides, and any parent who knows this will always bring a bag with: 

• Pretzels
• Crackers
• Cut fruit in a container
• Dried fruit
• Small sandwiches
• Granola bars

It’s best to avoid foods that make a big mess or melt in the heat, such as a roll with yellow cheese.

A Travel Art Kit

Kids get bored long before adults do, which is why art supplies are also something worth packing for a long drive. What should go inside? Here’s a simple list to keep things organized:

• Stickers
• A coloring book
• Crayons or markers
• A small dry-erase board
• A sketchpad

The big advantage of an art kit is that it keeps kids occupied without putting them in front of a screen the whole time.

Small Games That Don’t Take Up Much Space

You don’t have to haul half the playroom when you’re driving to Grandma or Grandpa’s house, although in our case, as parents of a two-year-old, that’s not really true. 

You can bring:

• Memory cards
• Magnetic games
• A few books
• Compact travel games
• Small dolls 

If you’re one of those creative parents who isn’t too lazy or too tired, a winning combination granted only to a select few, you can also make homemade games and decide on the rules together. 

A Portable Charger

Even if you try to limit screen time, sometimes a short movie or a favorite song can rescue the final stretch of the trip. An extra battery charged in advance can prevent that all-too-familiar moment when your device dies at exactly the worst possible time.

A Pillow and a Light Blanket

Kids fall asleep in the car at the most unpredictable times.

A small neck pillow and a lightweight blanket will make sleep more comfortable and help prevent a cranky wake-up caused by an awkward position.

A Basic First Aid Kit

You don’t need to carry an entire clinic with you, but it’s smart to have:

• Bandages
• A small disinfectant
• A thermometer
• Regular medications if needed
• A pain reliever appropriate for your child’s age

And of course, check ahead of time to make sure everything is still valid and not expired.

Wipes, and Then More Wipes

If you think you packed enough wipes, bring one more pack.

They’re useful not only for diaper changes, but also for cleaning hands, seats, stains, toys, and even shoes.

The Comfort Item They Can’t Be Without

Every child has that one item they just can’t do without.

It might be a doll, a small blanket, a pacifier, a favorite book, or a specific toy.

Before you leave, make sure it’s actually in the car. Believe me, especially with younger children, this can save a whole lot of tears during the ride.